TFA celebrates Veterans Day 2021

West Orange Times & Observer
News

Photos courtesy of Peter Jensen Photography.

The First Academy kicked off the 2021 Veterans Day with a ceremony honoring local veterans and their families.

The private Christian school held its ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 10, in the Worship Center at First Baptist Orlando.

The celebration featured the Presentation of Colors by the United States Air Force ROTC Color Guard from the University of Central Florida, patriotic music and several special presentations.

The first presentation recognized the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor with a special message from United States Navy Lt. Commander Peter Barkley from the TFA class of 2002.

The French Legion of Honor Medal was then presented to former Ocoee resident and United States Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, a WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veteran, by his great-grandson Jackson alongside Dr. David Uth, FBO Senior Pastor, Colonel Michael Peeler, United States Air Force, and Bridgette Jenson, French Honorary Consul.

Jenner was named the TFA Veteran of the Year and was presented with a United States Air Force Flight Jacket and Blanket by student officers of the Wounded Warrior Club.

The last celebration included two members of the Orlando Police Department SWAT Team who repelled onto the stage for a flag presentation.

The Lower School Choir, Middle & Upper School Chorus, and Concert Band also made appearances during the event.

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Annabelle Sikes

News Editor Annabelle Sikes was born in Boca Raton and moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend the University of Central Florida. She graduated from UCF in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology. Her past journalism experiences include serving as a web producer at the Orlando Sentinel, a reporter at The Community Paper, managing editor for NSM Today, digital manager at Centric Magazine and as an intern for the Orlando Weekly.